Detained Meaning in English
word · lemma: detain
/dɪˈteɪnd/
di-TAYND
/dɪtˈeɪnd/
di-TAYND
Definition
Kept somewhere by the authorities, usually by the police or law enforcement, and not allowed to leave. Can also mean being delayed or held back for another reason.
Usage & Nuances
Common in formal, legal, or news contexts involving police or border control. Can also mean simply being delayed (less common). Do not confuse 'detained' with 'arrested'—'detained' does not always mean someone is officially charged.
Spanish: detenido - retenidoPortuguese (BR): detido - retidoPortuguese (PT): detido - retidoChinese (Simplified): 拘留 - 扣留Chinese (Traditional): 拘留 - 扣留Hindi: रोका गया - हिरासत में लिया गयाArabic: محتجز - موقوفBengali: আটক - ধরে রাখাRussian: задержан - удержанJapanese: 拘留された - 引き止められたVietnamese: bị giam giữ - bị tạm giữKorean: 구금된 - 억류된Turkish: gözaltına alınmış - alıkonulmuşUrdu: حراست میں لیا گیا - روکا گیاIndonesian: ditahan - ditahan sementara
Example Sentences
The police detained the man for questioning.
basic
The students were detained after school.
basic
Travelers were detained at the border.
basic
She was detained at work and arrived home late.
natural
Several protesters were detained but released later that day.
natural
Sorry I’m late, I was detained by a long meeting.
natural